Epilogue
In September 2007, Johnson and Sam returned to the salt, with more experience and with better weather. Both succeeded in qualifying for their SCTA licenses and secured spots in the 130mph club, with passes of 133/139mph, and 137/132mph, respectively. Spots in the 150mph club were clinched with passes of 155/157mph for Johnson and 155/156mph for Sam. Only seven new members were inducted into the 150mph club last year.
For the 150mph club, a maximum tech speed of 160mph is allowed. The Sentra was capable of going faster, but the throttle was eased off to stay within the tech speed and avoid disqualification. Had the Sentra used its full 20psi of boost and been allowed to rev to 8000rpm, it would have probably topped out at a gear-limited speed of around 170mph.
1988 Nissan Sentra (B12)
Engine
Engine Code: SR20DET
Type: 1998cc in-line four, DOHC, aluminum block and head
Internal Modifications: Jim Wolf Technology S3 HLcamshafts
External Modifications: Pulsar GTI-R exhaust manifold, Garrett/HKS GT3037 turbocharger, TiAL 44mm external wastegate, HKS EVC boost controller, GReddy Turbo Timer, Afterhours Automotive custom 3-in. exhaust and intercooler piping, 3-in. air intake, JWT pop charger, HKS bypass valve, Spearco front-mount intercooler, Unorthodox Racing underdrive pulleys, Koyo radiator, Nismo thermostat and radiator cap, Setrab oil cooler, remote HPI oil filter w/stainless steel braided linesEngine Management Modifications: Walbro 255lph fuel pump, SX fuel pressure regulator, JWT ECU, Cobra MAF, 72lb/hr fuel injectors, VP Racing C16 fuel, Innovate Motorsports LMA-3 datalogger, LM-1 wideband O2 system, Techtom MDM 100
Drivetrain
Layout: Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Drivetrain Modifications: JWT flywheel, clutch, pressure plate, PAR dog gear set, Nismo engine mounts and 1.5-way clutch-type limited-slip differential, custom transmission case welded gussets, Red Line Shockproof oil
Suspension
Front: Nismo four-way adjustable dampers, Ground Control coilover kit, camber plates, Eibach ERS springs (550lb/inch), modified Energy Suspension B13 Sentra SE-R bushings, Pulsar NX (KN13) anti-roll bar
Rear: Nismo four-way adjustable dampers, Ground Control coilover kit, Eibach ERS springs (500lb/inch), modified Energy Suspension B13 Sentra SE-R bushings, Pulsar NX (KN13) anti-roll bar
Brakes
Front: Fastbrake four-piston SE-R Cup brake kit, Altima master cylinder, stainless steel braided brake lines, Carbotech Panther Plus brake pads
Rear: Maxima brakes (J30), modified rear spindles, stainless steel braided brake lines, Carbotech Panther Plus brake pads
External
Nissan Sunny (Nismo edition) grille and emblem, Xenon body kit, Nissan Motorsports front air dam
Wheels: Volk Racing TE37, 17x7.5 (F/R)
Tires: BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KD, 205/45/17 (F/R)
Body: Technosquare four-point roll bar w/integrated rear strut tower brace
Interior: Sparco six-point safety harness, Pro 2000 seats, shift knob, Momo Race steering wheel
The World's Fastest Brick
Johnson has an excuse for his odd attachment to this particular B12. It has been in the Johnson family since new. Some of his earliest childhood and teenage memories involve this car. It grew up with Johnson, getting bigger with the addition of a screaming 400 wheel-hp turbocharged SR20DE engine.
To carry out the conversion, Johnson bought a used B13 Sentra SE-R to serve as a donor car. The wimpy 68bhp E16 SOHC motor was axed and the SE-R's SR20DE went in its place and then turbocharged. This engine was later replaced with a JDM SR20DET. Amazingly, the bottom end of the engine remains stock, a tribute to the SR20's robustness.